I'm wondering if others have quintessential moments of satisfaction while working, something I call "nursing moments". For me, its making beds, particularly if the pt. is sitting by the window, with family in the room. I know that it seems mundane, but I derive immense satisfaction from making beds. I don't have to calculate anything, measure, wipe or document the event. It's a fresh clean bed, with no wrinkles, no complaints, no doubts and everyone is grateful that it's done.
I have known this for some time, but just recently had the courage to tell a good friend, the former DON of a Harvard hospital. He said the same thing, but he liked making beds with people in them.
When one of my old folks just holds my hand for awhile, and I know they appreciate me. Or when they know me by name and want to chat in the middle of the night (when times are a bit slower).
Yea, I feel I've made a difference in their lives, and that they love me almost as much as I love them. :)
Those are my big nursing moments.........
I couldn't have said this better....To me this is what nursing is all about. Love this thread.
After all these years, I still have these "moments". I have saved these moments in my heart, like the treasures that they are. My latest was helping a pt and her family thru a particularly difficult time. Her sister told me later," As soon as I saw your smile, I knew everything was going to be OK.":kiss They were from another country, were members of a religion that doesn't celebrate Christmas, and they mailed me a Christmas gift.
Specializes in Mostly LTC, some acute and some ER,.
I have only been a CNA for a few months, but I would say the most rewareding moments come from doing a really good bath or shower, and getting compliments, and knowing how much better they feel.
For me its when Ive got a post op starting rehab...being able to tell them what the heck happened to them and what is going to be going on next...teaching them the little tricks for pain managment and how to move and do things again...and seeing them go out the door independantly
For me it is being with the dying patient, giving pain medication that eases their discomfort (this is true for the not-dying ones, too...pain is my "soapbox" issue). And I view it as a privilege to be there at the time they ease into the next life waiting for them.
And as morbid as maybe it sounds, I enjoy post-mortem care. I view it as my last, loving "gift" to them. I always add a little of their favorite cologne, if available, or rub lotion onto the skin, as a last gesture before the family comes in the room.
And the "frequent fliers", who, when I walk into their room and they say, "OH! *YOU* are my nurse? I am SO GLAD!!!"
I've got to say, when a patient..who has been picked up off the side of the road, with both legs, both arms, one femur and his entire pelvis shattered.. walks onto the ward to tell you that they have just taken part..and completed a half - marathon, it seriously doesn't get much better than that. Or helping to stop a 21 guy from dying of a fat embolism on Christmas Eve and then seeing him down the pub a few months later absolutely fine...you can keep your washes for me, that's what makes me go all warm and fuzzy!
I've got to say, when a patient..who has been picked up off the side of the road, with both legs, both arms, one femur and his entire pelvis shattered.. walks onto the ward to tell you that they have just taken part..and completed a half - marathon, it seriously doesn't get much better than that. Or helping to stop a 21 guy from dying of a fat embolism on Christmas Eve and then seeing him down the pub a few months later absolutely fine...you can keep your washes for me, that's what makes me go all warm and fuzzy!
I like teaching the family about the disease process, how to help with care, what the various monitors are for, you name it. You can just see some of the stress and tension fall from them when they know what a pulse oximeter is for, or how they can help their loved one with passive rom, or teaching them how they can successfully deal with a a diagnois of diabetes.
Best nursing moments? When you have a patient who is ill or hurt, and getting them to smile, or, even better, to laugh. For that moment, all their cares and worries have disappeared. Another one is a patient knowing that you care about them. Both moments go a long way in the healing process.
Holding the hand of a labor patient braving natural childbirth. Seeing this labor culiminate in the beginning of a new life and start of a brand new family. Those moments are most precious to me.....those and the hugs I get from time to time from such patients and their family members. Sounds smarmy maybe, but it is how I feel, honestly.
Deb, you said what I feel - that, and that magical moment when a limp blue newborn takes that first breath, lets out a yell and turns pink! Still catches my heart after all these years.
We work so short lately that I miss the BASIC care, not the sani-wipe bath, but the soap and lather with a warm lotion back rub, powder in the right places, even a shave , then crisp linnens, and a hair combing.
Then having the time to do education, I love talking about wellness and prevention, hoping I've made a difference.
Some days lately, having a non vented patient to talk to!
RN always, BSN, RN
151 Posts
I couldn't have said this better....To me this is what nursing is all about. Love this thread.